Frontotemporal dementia is a type of dementia, affecting the frontal and temporal lobes within the brain. Compared to other dementia types, frontotemporal dementia can appear early, which affects your behaviour, language, personality and health. According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, there are approximately 31,000 people in the UK who live with FTD.
Sova Healthcare’s article covers the 7 stages of frontotemporal dementia.
Stage 1: Mild Cognitive Changes
During the first stage of FTD, you may experience minor personality and behaviour changes. You may find remembering things or focusing on tasks difficult. However, your symptoms of FTD might not be noticeable until later and could be mistaken for ageing.
Stage 2: Behaviour and Memory Loss Changes
Memory loss and behavioural changes are more prevalent as FTD develops further. This can affect how you plan and organise your week. Also, you may struggle to remember things like where you placed your keys in your home or finding your way to the local supermarket. You may find it harder to make good decisions or lack judgment when dealing with various situations.
Stage 3: Language Difficulties
As Frontotemporal Dementia progresses, you may have issues with language. Reading and writing become difficult while understanding complex information, which affects your communication skills at home and work. Over time, you may struggle to express your thoughts to your friends, family and work colleagues.
Stage 4: Movement Disorders
The next stage of FTD can affect your movement, from eating and drinking, to balance and coordination. Walking, gripping objects and appetite changes can impact your ability to complete simple tasks. At this phase of FTD, you might require regular around-the-clock care as your behaviour and movement decline.
Stage 5: Mood Swings and Personality Changes
Further along with FTD, daily mood swings and personality changes are expected as the condition progresses. You may become more agitated, aggressive, withdrawn or experience hallucinations. It impacts how you handle various situations, socially and emotionally, since this is done with the brain’s frontal lobe.
Stage 6: Memory Loss
In the penultimate stage of Frontotemporal Dementia, you’ll experience severe memory loss. Recognising familiar places, food and people becomes harder as the condition reaches the final stage. Remembering recent conversations or events becomes harder and you may rely on regular reminders to complete daily tasks.
Stage 7: End-Stage Frontotemporal Dementia
With the last stage of FTD, around-the-clock care is required. Not being able to swallow food, having regular seizures and being bedridden may occur at the end of the condition. You may also lose your ability to verbally communicate with others, as well as struggle with your mental and physical health.
Do you live in the early stages of frontotemporal dementia and require dementia care? Sova Healthcare’s team of experienced dementia care professionals have worked with many clients to deliver a friendly, high-quality dementia care service across the country. You can contact our team today about how we can provide an exceptional service from your home.